Where I've Been, and What We'll Be Eating

Hola`! After a month-long blog "sabbatical," I'm officially back. Not that I had a choice of coming back, after all, my family knew where I was and would've used whatever means necessary to haul my tail back home.

So, where was I? Well, part of the time, I was busy packing for a trip abroad. The other part? I was mentally preparing for a child-less trip to Cancun, Mexico. After taking numerous road trips over the years with 9 or 10 children in tow, it takes a completely different mind-set to ready oneself for an adults-only resort vacation. Oh, but what a quick learner I was!

A view of the Caribbean Sea from our 10th floor hotel window

Being a creature of habit, I'm not one to venture too far from home. I have a healthy fear of flying, don't like large crowds, and am a somewhat (☺) of a control freak. My only expectations were to take a nap on the beach and have someone else cook meals for me that didn't make me sick. I thought with my expectations low, I couldn't be disappointed. But I ended up conquering fears and living out dreams I never even knew I had. 

On the island of Isla Mujeres

I embraced my inner Audrey Hepburn and glammed it up on a white sandy beach.

Shortly before we headed in to a 3-1/2 hour couples massage/pampering. Glory be. That was my idea of a vacation.

The Mister and I rediscovered what it was like to be responsibility-free, if only for a few days.

I embraced the sunshine...

Within 2 minutes, my little chameleon friend turned as orange as I was.

...even though it didn't embrace me back.

I became one with nature.

In the jungle, where it was habanero HOT!

Iguana's everywhere! I called this one, Gus.

And the Mister & I held a shark. Okay, it was toothless and a vegetarian, but it was a shark and we're darn lucky to be alive. *wink*

Little did we know, there was a second shark in the pen with us.

I was able to share in the joy of seeing my Mister fulfill his life-long dream of captaining a catamaran in the Caribbean, and I even witnessed Jesus taking the wheel.

Captain Jesus and my Mister sailing the catamaran and all 45 passengers back to the Port of Tortuga (It really exists!)

And finally, I was able to see a piece of history that I have dreamed about since I was 10 years old. The Mayan ruins...even though most of it was seen through sweat and tears of joy. (Have I mentioned that it was hot?)

Brother, sis-in-law, me, and the Mister at the Pyramid of Kukulcan ~ Chichen Itza Ruins

Las Monjas or the Building of the Nuns

The Temple of the Jaguars



The Astronomical Observatory, which was still hidden among the jungle vines less than 20 years ago.

Now that we've gotten the hang of how to relax and be tourists, we'll be doing this again next year...with a little extra sunblock and a whole lot of expectations. ☺

Because I couldn't bring the fabulous chef's from Cancun home with me, it's time to get back to real-life meal planning. Here's what's cookin' this week...

~Sunday~

cereal

Cinco de Mayo Casserole, guacamole (recipe coming this week!), tortilla chips

 

~Monday~

Raw Greek Yogurt (recipe coming), fruit of choice, toasted almonds

leftover Cinco de Mayo casserole, green salad with Kefir Ranch Dressing

 

~Tuesday~

Speltcakes with peach puree "syrup"

Butternut Squash Enchiladas (new)

 

~Wednesday~

Baked Peanut Butter Oatmeal, banana

Meatloaf, roasted Rosemary Red Potatoes, green salad with balsamic vinegar/olive oil dressing

 

~Thursday~

Cinnamon Spice Granola with raw milk

Parmesan-crusted tilapia (new), Risotto, steamed broccoli

 

~Friday~

Design-an-Omelet

Barbequed chicken, Roasted No-Mayo Potato Salad, fresh fruit

 

~Saturday~

Banana Walnut Muffins, bacon

Homemade Barbeque Chicken Pizza (gluten-free)

 

 



January Meal Plan





Now that it's a new year, I've decided to start planning meals again. Not that I wasn't before, I just lacked the "follow through."

It's all about the follow through.

Even though I had the best of intentions, my lack of motivation kept me from doing the important things like, thawing the meat, soaking the beans, buying the groceries, etc...More often than not, I found myself pulling out the omelet pan and scrambling up some eggs.

Omelette's were even too ambitious because they require thought, and my only thought was "git er done." Hence, the scrambling. Not exactly the meals that dreams are made of.

When planning for a month of meals, I start by shopping in the pantry/freezer first. Then I list the meals that my family likes, that are time-convenient, or are meals that use whatever I have an abundance of. After that list is finished, I divide them into weekly plans and write them on a weekly planner. (This planner is much classier than my old stand-by...the spiral notebook.) On the back of each weekly planner, I write my grocery list. I've found that it's important to take both my meal plan and my grocery list together, because I almost always forget to add something.

I say almost always because it makes me feel more competent than I really am. ☺

Our monthly budget for groceries varies, but we try to keep it around $150.00/week. Every 3 months, we make a Costco and Bob's Redmill run to restock basics such as; sugar, dried beans, rice, spices, and gluten-free staples.

And it ensures that the Mister and I have at least 1 day every 3 months without kids.

It's the little things, really.

Here's what's cookin' this month~

~Week 1~

Crockpot Chinese Pepper Steak, brown rice

baked chicken, Mac & Cheese, roasted broccoli/cauliflower

Red Coconut Curry Lentil Soup, gf Naan Bread

White Chicken Chili (new), gf Cornbread

Parmesan-crusted Tilapia, brown rice/butter, green salad

Homemade gf Pizza

Leftovers

~Week 2~

Sweet Potato Patties, Baked Salmon, green salad

Lentil Burritos, Guacamole, tortilla chips

Crockpot Mongolian Beef, brown rice, salad

Thai Butternut Curry Soup, Bob's Redmill GF Hearty Whole Grain Bread

Cincinnati Chili

Crockpot Honey Sesame Chicken, jasmine rice

Leftovers

~Week 3~

Chicken Tortilla Soup, gf Cornbread

Pot roast, Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, veggie (to be determined)

Coconut Kelp Soup with Chicken

Venison Stroganoff, jasmine rice

Chickpea Fritters, Chicken Caesar Salad

GF Beef Empanadas (new)

Salmon Patties, brown rice w/butter, green beans

~Week 4~

Chili, gf Cornbread

baked potatoes, cube steak, salad

Spicy Thai Noodles (with brown rice noodles)

Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

Mexi-Mac, sweet corn

Salsa Chicken, brown rice, salad

Coconut Curry Chicken Soup

Breakfasts: Soaked Oatmeal, brown rice farina, eggs, raw milk kefir smoothies, muffins, Cinnamon Spiced Granola

Lunches: Leftovers, nachos, egg salad or tuna sandwiches (on home-baked bread)

Since I've only planned 28 of the 31 days of January, that leaves room for date nights out, or date nights in...

Hey, it could happen. ☺

This post is linked to Menu Mondays at I'm an Organizing Junkie.



Menu Monday~9/24

It's that time of year again. You know the one. When everything is right with the world. Okay, that might be stretchin' it a bit, but all is right in my world. The leaves are starting to change, the temperatures are less than sweltering, and I have soup on the brain.

Not literally. Although, there are times...

Now that Tilly has her own milk assembly line (of one), I'm thinking chowders. And cheese. And sour cream. And pudding.

Morning milk

Lots of pudding.

Here's what else is cookin' this week...

~Monday~

Thai Cashew Chicken, Jasmine Rice, Sweet & Sour Coleslaw (recipe coming)

 

~Tuesday~

Potato Corn Chowder, Kefir Cornbread (new)

 

~Wednesday~

3 Cheese Baked Ziti, Garden Salad with Kefir Ranch Dressing

 

~Thursday~

Salmon Patties, Macaroni & Cheese, Garlicky Green Beans

 

~Friday~

Chickpea Fritters, Meatloaf, Garden Salad with Bleu Cheese Dressing

 

~Saturday~

Venison Steak, Mashed Potatoes with Milk Gravy, Peas

 

~Sunday~

Toe Warmin' Chili, Buttermilk Cornbread

 

Breakfast Choices: Kefir smoothies, eggs & toast, Cinnamon Spiced Granola, Pennsylvania Dutch Baked Oatmeal, Crockpot Apple Pie Oats, Simple Soaked Oatmeal

 

Lunches: Leftovers, Meatloaf Sandwiches, Nachos

 

And pudding.

 

Maybe Definitely twice.☺

 

This post is linked to Menu Mondays at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Menu Monday~9/16

Apparently, it's Monday. Night, to be precise. And I'm just now figuring out our meal plan for the week. Not that we would've starved...

This year's bounty. The rows are 4 jars deep.

The bottom half is left over from last year, but the top is all new.

...but my family does tend to panic a little.

My daughters and I have canned well over 1,000 jars of fruit, veggies, jams, stocks, and pickles. Even though the end of canning season is in sight, we still have green beans, corn, applesauce and butter, and pumpkin butter to can. And maybe some soups. And chickens. And venison. And...

I may need an intervention.

Until then, here's what's cookin' this week...

~Sunday~

Cinnamon Spice Granola, Greek yogurt

leftovers

Chicken Tortilla Soup

 

~Monday~

Cinnamon Spice Granola, Greek yogurt

leftovers

Cold Chicken Satay Noodle Salad (carried over from last week)

 

~Tuesday~

Gluten-free Raspberry Lime Muffins (new), Kefir Fruit Smoothies

Black Bean Quesadillas (corn tortillas, pepper jack cheese, black beans, Anaheim chiles)

Zucchini, Corn, Tomato Casserole, Grilled Chicken

 

~Wednesday~

Blueberry Lemon Baked Oatmeal

Sandwiches (to be decided later), tortilla chips, lacto-fermented salsa

Crockpot Chinese Pepper Steak, brown rice, salad

 

~Thursday~

Cinnamon Spice Granola, Greek yogurt

Toasted cheese sandwiches, sliced apples

Chickpea Fritters, meatloaf, green salad with Kefir Ranch Dressing

 

~Friday~

GF Banana Walnut Muffins, Kefir Fruit Smoothies

leftover meatloaf sandwiches on Bob's Redmill GF Hearty Whole Grain Bread

Red Lentil Coconut Soup, Gluten free Naan Bread (new)

 

~Saturday~

Potato Brunch Bake, Gluten Free Blueberry/Lemon Muffins

Homemade Gluten Free Pizza

 

This post is linked to Menu Monday's at I'm an Organizing Junkie.



Menu Plan 9/9/12

We've been so busy lately that I've spent more time staring into the freezer than actually preparing meals. Maybe it's because I've been furiously canning like a crazed lunatic, afraid the pantry police will find my cupboards half empty and issue a citation for being a bad winter prepper. Or maybe it's because I'm as sleep deprived as a new mother, even though I'm not the one having to do the middle of the night (or afternoon) feedings. (Because I'm canning. I'm even dreaming of tropical vacations where the canner comes with the room. And the hotel supplies complimentary jars. Which are located right next to the fruit bowl. Is it winter yet?)

Making sure that Maggie Moo was getting her colostrum. She couldn't seem to locate the feeding end of her mama.

Or maybe it's because there are 13 mouths to feed and every recipe has to be tripled now. Which means that I have to pull out my less than stellar math skills and do some figurin' before anyone can count on dinner. I'm so bad at figurin' that my fall-back meal last week was grilled hamburgers. And since I didn't have enough time to grill them all the way through, I called it steak tar tar and served dinner on glass plates instead of paper.

 

I need a vacation.

 

Without complimentary canners and jars. 

 

Now that the canning season is coming to an end, everyone has settled in, and Maggie Moo has figured out which end to nurse from, maybe, just maybe, we can get back to normal around here.

 

Just as soon as I figure out what normal really looks like.☺

Here's what's cookin' this week...

~Sunday~

cereal

leftovers

Macaroni & Cheese, deer steak, corn on the cob

 

~Monday~

cereal

P.B. & J's, gf pretzels, apples

Venison Stew, gf Hearty Whole Grain Bread (Thank you Susan & Bob's Redmill!!)

 

~Tuesday~

gf Zucchini Bread, Kefir Fruit Smoothies

Layered bean dip (beans, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, olives, salsa, sour cream), tortillas, apples

Cheesy Polenta, Salmon Patties, baked acorn squash

 

~Wednesday~

Simple Soaked Oatmeal with peaches

tuna wraps, apples

Teriyaki Chicken, jasmine rice, Coleslaw (new)

 

~Thursday~

Overnight Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats

Keifer Fruit Smoothies, popcorn

Taco Salad

 

~Friday~

Pennsylvania Dutch Baked Oatmeal

egg salad sandwiches, fruit

 Chicken Satay Noodle Salad (I'm using almond butter/nuts and brown rice noodles), Broccoli Salad

 

~Saturday~

Ham & Swiss Omelette's

hot dogs (over the fire), lacto-fermented sauerkraut, S'mores

grilled hamburgers, Salmon Dip (I'll share the recipe this week!), chips 

This post is linked to Menu Mondays at Organized Junkie.

Back to Meal Planning

Recently, I took a little break from planning meals. I guess I wanted to see what it felt like to fly by the seat of my pants. Or maybe it was my way of rebelling against the system. Okay, not really, but sometimes life has a way of making a person slow down. Some things had to give so other things could happen.

Fact is, I was tired. And there was a reason for it other than just my thyroid issue. After seeing a specialist, I was diagnosed with low levels of vitamin D. Go figure. Around the Pacific Northwest, this is a common ailment, but not something that is routinely tested. Low levels of vitamin D can cause fatigue, achy muscles/joints, unexplained pain, mood swings, inability to lose weight (particularly in the abdomen), depression, food allergies/intolerance, and sleep irregularities. Combined with the hypothyroidism, it's no wonder why I didn't feel like myself!

But now, I'm back. And better than I've been in a long time. Because now I have answers that make sense. Now I have hope. And now I see the light at the end of a very long tunnel.

Going without a meal plan was a good experience for a short time. We tried new recipes, used up older ingredients in the pantry, and have almost completely cleaned out 1 entire freezer. We've replaced the wheat berries with gluten-free flours and beans, making it much easier to implement a plan. And while I have no totals on money spent for the months of May and June, I can honestly say that I don't care. Having a full pantry of usable ingredients is more important to me than knowing how much we spent to get there.

Starting now, I'm back on track with both the meals and the planning. And beginning August 1st, I'll be back on track with the budget.

Because really, what else could go wrong?

Never mind. I'll wait to be surprised.☺

Here's what's cookin' this week...

~Monday~

B: Simple Soaked Oatmeal with berries & almonds

D: Roasted chicken, Chickpea Fritters (new), green salad with Bleu Cheese dressing

Prep: Cook 8#'s ground beef. Make 4#'s Sloppy Joe mix and 4#'s taco meat and freeze for later.

Refrigerate 2#'s Sloppy Joe mix for Thursday.

Make gluten-free flour blend.

~Tuesday~

B: GF Lemon Poppy seed Muffins, venison breakfast sausage

D: Meatloaf, Broccoli Salad, Roasted Rosemary Red Potatoes

Prep: Soak dried beans.

Make Cinnamon Spiced Granola.

Make yogurt.

~Wednesday~

B: Cinnamon Spiced Granola & Yogurt Parfaits

D: Salmon Patties, (I'm replacing some of the ingredients with gluten-free options.) Macaroni & Cheese, green peas, Tarter Sauce

Prep: Cook 4 whole chickens in stock pot. Shred and freeze in separate bags.

Start chicken stock. (I will pressure can this on Thursday.)

~Thursday~

B: Quiche Lorraine with leftover sausage

D: Sloppy Joes on GF buns, 3-Bean Salad

~Friday~

B: GF Blueberry Scones (new), Kefir Fruit Smoothies

D: Grilled T-bone steaks, Baked potatoes (on grill), green salad with Bleu Cheese dressing

~Saturday~

B: Cinnamon Spiced Granola & Yogurt Parfaits

D: Fancy Baked Beans, GF Cornbread, Strawberry/Spinach Salad with Poppy seed Dressing

Prep: Place frozen pasta sauce in refrigerator to thaw.

~Sunday~

B: Cinnamon Spiced Granola

D: Pasta with Spicy Turkey Sausage Sauce, green salad

*I am doing a lot of freezer cooking while our weather is still cool. But more on that later...☺

This post is linked to Menu Mondays.

Menu Plan~4/29/12

Today is my Mister's 46th birthday. All month he has been reminding me that it's "my birthday month" so he can get his own way.

Problem with that philosophy is that if the birthday boy forgets to ask for his special day off from work, it makes the rest of the month null & void.

Okay, not really. But we are going to be celebrating this week. There will be cake. And there will be ice cream.

And because May 1st marks the beginning of my birthday month, I'm planning on cake and ice cream more than once. Gluten-free of course.☺

Here's what's cookin' this week...

~Sunday~

cereal

Chicken Tortilla Soup

~Monday~

Pennsylvania Dutch Baked Oatmeal (with pears and vanilla)

Tom Kha Gai Soup (new), steamed broccoli

~Tuesday~

Gf Dandelion Bread, Yogurt/Kefir Fruit Smoothies

Sweet Potato Casserole (new), Stir-fried garlic green beans, grilled trout

~Wednesday~

Cinnamon Streusel Muffins, Simple Soaked Oatmeal

New Orlean's Red Beans & Rice

~Thursday~

Breakfast Hash with deer sausage

Meatloaf, garden salad with Bleu Cheese Dressing, Gf Biscuits

~Friday~

Poached eggs over steamed spinach, Gf Biscuits

Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, grilled chicken sausage, creamed green peas

~Saturday~

Gf Blueberry Muffins, Kefir Fruit Smoothies

Chicken, black bean, & rice enchiladas with corn tortillas

This post is linked to Menu Mondays at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Menu Plan for 4/22/12

I'm having a moment.

Actually, I've been having quite a few of those moments lately. While I sit here typing our meal plan for the week, I smell burnt hamburgers on the grill (that's okay, I'm allergic anyway and kids will eat dirt if it's covered in ketchup...and they weren't burnt after all~the grill just needs cleaned), the house is smoky from my over-broiled gluten-free bun (that mysteriously caught on fire), and there is a pot of cooked chickens on the stove that are surrounded by a moat of water from the over zealous boiling that magically occurred (because someone turned on the wrong burner and went outside to hang up laundry).

If Calgon doesn't take me away soon, I'm afraid someone might get the bright idea to cart me off to the loony bin.

At least the sun is shining, the kombucha and dandelion wine's are brewing, and the cows are grazing on the first grasses of the spring.

Life is good.

That may be the meds kickin' in.☺

Here's what's cookin' this week...and as always, it's gluten-free.

~Sunday~

Cinnamon granola

Burnt grilled hamburgers, chips, salsa

Prep: Soak black beans for Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Make extra dairy kefir.

~Monday~

Cinnamon Streusel Muffins, kefir fruit smoothies

Grilled Pineapple Chicken w/Pineapple Salsa, seasoned black beans, brown rice

Prep: Thaw 6 pounds ground beef in fridge.

~Tuesday~

Quiche Lorraine

Sweet & Sour Meatballs (new-freezer cooking), jasmine rice, broccoli

Prep: Soak pinto beans, thaw whole chicken.

~Wednesday~

Pennsylvania Dutch Baked Oatmeal

Black & pinto bean chili, Buttermilk Cornbread

~Thursday~

 Buttermilk Cornbread (leftovers), Yogurt Smoothies

Black bean, rice & cheese enchiladas on corn tortillas, lacto-fermented salsa

Prep: Cook chicken for Saturday.

~Friday~

Poached eggs on wilted spinach leaves, toast

Thai Cashew Chicken, jasmine rice, broccoli

~Saturday~

Banana Walnut Muffins, hot chocolate

Chicken Tortilla Soup, Buttermilk Cornbread

This post is linked to Menu Mondays at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Meal Plan for 4/16/12

Madison helping Great Grandma to the car.

This week I'm planning on going a little crazy in the kitchen. A few years ago, I tried my hand at once-a-month cooking. We were doing foster care at the time and seemed to always be in and out of the house, shuttling kids to appointments, visits, school, etc., so having extra meals in the freezer saved my behind on more than one occasion.

That was then, this is now. Back then, before I knew better, my freezer meals consisted of foods that used processed ingredients. I'm not talking beans from a can either. I'm talking about chicken pot pie "packets" using canned crescent dough, canned chicken, and cream of everything soups. (And yes, they were delicious!) However, once I started learning about whole foods, I couldn't in good conscience go back. Not that I've arrived or never eat processed food anymore mind you. Now it's just not normal for us to do that.

Keeping in mind the 4 generations (and different dietary needs/restrictions) that are living under this roof, I'll be trying my hand at freezer cooking again. This time without the canned dough and soup. And this time, it won't be for the entire month. (Regardless of what a once-a-month cookbook tells you, it never takes just one day!) I've decided to add a couple of freezer meals each week to the menu. My hope is that I'll get 3 meals from each recipe and will be able to stock 2 away for those busy days that always rear their ugly heads when we least need them to. This week, I'll be cooking Pineapple Chicken, and Spicy Turkey Sausage Pasta Sauce for the freezer. I'll be sharing those recipes along with the gluten-free Buttermilk Cornbread this week.☺

Here's what else is cookin'...

~Monday~

Pennsylvania Dutch Baked Oatmeal

Crockpot Shepherd's Pie (inspired by this recipe), garden salad w/ Bleu Cheese Dressing

~Tuesday~

Cinnamon Spice Granola with yogurt

Boston Baked Beans, GF Buttermilk Cornbread, garden salad w/ Bleu Cheese Dressing

~Wednesday~

Scrambled eggs, GF Cranberry White Chocolate Hazelnut Muffins

Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Soup, GF Naan Bread

~Thursday~

GF Coffee Cake, yogurt with blueberries

Pineapple Chicken (new), brown rice, steamed broccoli

~Friday~

Lemon Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

Spicy Black Bean Soup, GF Buttermilk Cornbread

~Saturday~

Breakfast Hash

Brown rice spaghetti with Spicy Turkey Sausage Pasta Sauce, Caesar Salad w/ GF Croutons

*This post is linked to Menu Mondays at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Meal Plan for Week of 4/9/12

I am the queen of grand ideas. Lots of planning and good intentions, but there seems to always be a road block or two in my way. Case in point: once-a-month meal plan and shopping. The road blocks? 

Me. 

And my food allergies.

Meal planning was so much easier when the world was my oyster. Now oysters make me break out in hives. Planning meals around cuts of meat that our lovely steer so graciously offered is now a thing of the past. Unless, of course, I don't mind my throat closing up after dinner. Which I do. Even the act of taking communion at church is off limits, just in case the "bread" has gluten, or has touched anything with gluten, or touched anyone who may know someone who has touched gluten. Even if those glutenous people are in the neighboring county.

Seriously, it's enough to make me go to intravenous feedings and just forgo the real food altogether.

But then I remember my aversion to needles or anything poky, and my sanity returns. 

Even sporadic sanity is better than needles.

Because I rely so heavily on fresh produce and dairy for my meals, my trips to the grocery store need to be on a weekly basis. My hope is that when the garden starts producing and Tilly-mook freshens,  trips to the grocery store will be less frequent. For now, I have to do what I have to do. 

Which will be dodging the road blocks as best as I can.☺

Here's what's cookin' this week...

~Breakfasts~

Cranberry Walnut Scones

Pecan Coconut Muffins

Baked Applesauce Donuts

Fruit Smoothies with homemade kefir

Breakfast Hash

Banana Walnut Muffins

Pennsylvania Dutch Baked Oatmeal

~Dinners~

Beef Stew, Easy Peasy GF Biscuits

Chicken & Bean Enchiladas w/ corn tortillas

Korean Beef Bulgolgi,  roasted asparagus

Southwest Soup (new),  GF Cornbread

French Green Lentil Soup w/bacon (new?), garden salad with Bleu Cheese Dressing (new)

Roasted turkey, Wild & Brown Rice Dressing (new), Raw Cranberry Relish, steamed broccoli

Leftovers

~Desserts~

Chocolate Hazelnut Pie

Vanilla Bean & Banana Raw Milk Ice Cream

*All of these meals are gluten-free. Since I can't have most meats, I always keep baked or shredded chicken in the refrigerator for those meals that have beef, pork, or venison.

This post is linked to Menu Mondays.

A March Menu

 

February was a bust as far as the food budget goes. I don't have the official numbers yet, but I know that it's going to be bad. Remember how I went to the allergist and found that I'm allergic to practically everything in my pantry? 

Well, I panicked.

Then I went shopping.

Then I panicked some more.

Then shopped even more.

It's a vicious cycle I tell ya.

Last week I got the blood test results back. I tested negative for Celiac disease so I went out and had myself a big old hamburger, white bun and all. And it was "When Harry Met Sally" good.

Then it wasn't.

So, here's what I know. Beef is NOT my friend. It causes an inflammatory reaction that makes my thumbs swell and feet hurt. 

Bread is NOT my friend either. It gives me a horrible headache and causes my tummy to do very bad things. At the very least, I'm gluten intolerant.

And shellfish~how I loved thee. Now it causes my throat to tighten up as if I have a scarf wound too tightly around my neck. After abstaining from chicken and eggs for 2 weeks, I am finding that I have zero problems with either, so they're back on the menu. I'm adding peanuts back in this week, so we'll have to wait and see how they fare.

Here's what I know about food allergies...if you have a shellfish allergy, Red Lobster is not a restaurant you need to visit. Asking for an allergy menu does nothing to set the food server's mind at ease. In fact, I'm fairly certain when she returned with the special menu she was packin'. 

An epi-pen, I mean. 

Poor gal. We tipped her well.

 I'm still wondering why my Mister took me there to begin with...☺

Here's what's cookin' this month...

2/27~Butternut Thai Curry Soup, broiled asparagus

2/28~Crockpot Peanutty Thai Chicken (new), soaked brown rice, broiled asparagus

2/29~Chicken Tortilla Soup, Cheesy Jalapeno Cornbread (new)

3/1~Spicy Turkey Sausage Pasta Sauce (new) over brown rice pasta, Caesar Salad

3/2~Lazy Chiles Rellenos Casserole, Easy Cheesy Pepper Corn (new)

3/3~Split Pea/Sweet Potato Soup (new), GF Biscuits

3/4~Beef Stew with Orange & Cloves (new), sourdough rolls (family)

Garden salad with Balsamic Dressing (me)

3/5~Loaded Sloppy Joes (with ground turkey breast), baked french fries

3/6~Italian White Bean Soup (new), garden salad w/ Balsamic Dressing

3/7~Fiesta Mexi-Chicken (new), soaked brown rice

3/8~Crockpot Potatoes Au Gratin, fried venison, green peas

3/9~Spicy Black Bean Soup (new), Cheesy Jalapeno Cornbread

3/10~Spicy Thai Noodles (still new), using brown rice pasta

3/11~Mexi-beans (new), soaked brown rice, tortilla chips and salsa

3/12~Minestrone Soup (new recipe), Gf Biscuits

3/13~One Pot Mexi-Mac, green salad w/ Lime Vinaigrette

3/14~Cheesy Broccoli Soup, Sourdough/Gf Biscuits

3/15~Beef & Broccoli Stir-fry (family)

Leftover Broccoli Soup (me)

3/16~Lentil Burritos (brown rice tortillas for me)

3/17~Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, green peas

3/18~Crockpot Orange Chicken (new), Jasmine rice

3/19~Fancy Schmancy Macaroni & Cheese, elk steak, green beans

3/20~Pineapple Pepper Chili (new)

3/21~Spinach & Herb Risotto (new), Roast, garden salad w/ Balsamic Dressing

3/22~Gf Pumpkin Waffles (new), fruit salad

3/23~Caribbean Black Bean Soup (new), deviled eggs

3/24~Cincinnati Chili (with brown rice noodles)

3/25~Roasted Potato Clam Chowder

3/26~Toe Warmin' Chili, Cheesy Jalapeno Cornbread

3/27~Shopping Day 

Chili Baked Potatoes, sweet corn

Breakfasts~Yogurt Smoothies, Cinnamon or Almond Joy Granola, Omelette's, Banana Walnut Muffins, Baked Oatmeal (different variations), Brown rice or buckwheat pancakes, Simple Soaked Oatmeal, Blueberry French Toast Casserole, Breakfast Hash, Steel Cut Nutty Oats, eggs & toast

Lunches~Leftovers, toasted cheese & tuna sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, almond butter & honey sandwiches (Our "sandwiches" are not always on bread. Sometimes they're on brown rice cakes, in wraps, or on biscuits!), popcorn & fresh fruit, layered bean dip & tortilla chips, quesadillas, Salad "buffet"

If it seems like there are a lot of new recipes, well, I found a new cookbook! I'll be using my crockpot several times a week to free up some of my afternoons for some crafting projects.

After all, a girl has to have her priorities.☺

 

This post is linked to Menu Mondays at Organizing Junkie.

February Meal Planner

Well, they say that late is better than never. Again, I'm not clear who exactly they are, but if they said it, it must be true.

Here's our menu plan for the month of February. And no, you're not seeing things. I purposely left out days 1-4. Because we had been out of town for a few days, I just carried over what was originally supposed to be on the menu for the last week of January.

Pretty smart, eh?☺ 

5. B~cereal, toast

D~Superbowl food: Hot wings, chili/cheese dip, chips, Carne Asadas, guacamole, root beer (followed by a couple of Alka-Seltzer's...)

6. B~Banana Walnut Baked Oatmeal (new)

D~Chicken Marsala, Jasmine Rice, Caesar Salad, Peasant Bread

7. B~gf Banana Walnut Muffins, Yogurt Fruit Smoothies

D~Lime-crusted Mahi Mahi, green salad w/ Lime Vinaigrette (new), Roasted Rosemary Red Potatoes

8. B~Cinnamon Spice Granola (will post this soon!), yogurt

D~Pot roast, Baked potatoes w/ sour cream, green beans, Peasant Bread

9. B~Breakfast Hash w/ham

D~Mexican Pink Bean Burritos on brown rice tortillas (new), tortillas & guacamole

10. B~Banana Walnut Baked Oatmeal, deer sausage

D~Baked Salmon, Spicy Cowboy Fries, Coleslaw

11. B~Speltcakes (buckwheat pancakes for Mom)

D~Coconut Lime Chicken w/Almond Dipping Sauce (new), Buttered brown rice, steamed broccoli

12. B~Cinnamon Spice Granola, yogurt

D~Chicken Stew (new), gf Biscuits (new)

13. B~Peachy Millet Flour Muffins, Yogurt Fruit Smoothies

D~Sweet & Sour Meatballs, Jasmine rice, peas

14. B~Breakfast Hash w/sausage

D~Roasted turkey, Pecan-Crusted Sweet Potatoes (new), Cranberry Relish, gf Dark Chocolate Cake

15. B~Almond Joy Granola, yogurt

D~Leftover turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy (with drippings from previous night), green beans

16. B~Quiche Lorraine

D~Creamy Turkey & Wild Rice Soup, gf Biscuits

17. B~Simple Soaked Oatmeal w/toasted coconut, pecans, and maple syrup

D~Fried deer steak, Creamy Scalloped Potatoes, sweet corn

18. B~Speltcakes (rice pancakes for Mom)

D~Toe-Warmin' Chili, Cornbread

19. B~Almond Joy Granola, yogurt

D~Chili Baked Potatoes (w/green onions, sour cream, cheese), Spinach salad w/Poppyseed Vinaigrette (new)

20. B~Simple Soaked Oatmeal w/peaches & toasted pecans

D~Beef Stew, gf Biscuits (Mom), Peasant Bread (Family)

21. B~Breakfast Hash w/ham

D~Baked Parmesan Tilapia, Lemon Rice Pilaf, steamed broccoli

22. B~Banana Walnut Baked Oatmeal

D~Fried Chicken, gf Biscuits, Home-baked Beans, lacto-fermented sauerkraut

23. B~Cinnamon Spice Granola, yogurt

D~Meatloaf, Mashed garlicky potatoes, creamed peas

24. B~Red, White, & Orange Baked Oatmeal

D~Potato Pancakes, Baked Salmon, Broccoli Salad

25. B~Speltcakes (rice pancakes for Mom)

D~Chicken Tortilla Soup, homemade tortilla chips

This post is linked to Menu Mondays at I'm an Organizing Junkie. This will also be posted at the top of my page under "Meal Plans".

**Have you entered the giveaway yet? Hurry, you only have until 2/15!**

January Meal Plan

To learn why we decided to go to a monthly meal plan, go here and here.

Here's what's cookin' for January...

1. B~cereal

    D~Spicy Hoppin' John, Kim's cornbread

2. B~Simple Soaked Oatmeal w/ frozen berries

    D~Cubed steak w/ milk gravy, roasted potatoes, broccoli/cauliflower

3. B~Scrambled Hash (new), g.f. Peachy Millet Muffins (new)

    D~Black Bean Soup, gf Southern Cornbread

4. B~Cinnamon Spice Granola over yogurt (new)

    D~Chicken Pot Pie with gf Cheddar Biscuits (new)

5. B~Pennsylvania Dutch Baked Oatmeal

    D~Meatloaf, mashed potatoes & beef gravy (using homemade stock), green beans

6. B~Speltcakes (for family), gf Rice Flour Pancakes for mom 

    D~Chinese Pepper Steak, jasmine rice in beef stock

7. B~Kefir fruit smoothies, gf Banana Walnut Muffins

    D~Ham steaks, baked potatoes w/sour cream, steamed green peas

8. B~Almond Joy Granola w/ yogurt

    D~Chicken Tortilla Soup, homemade tortilla chips

9. B~Simple Soaked Oatmeal w/ frozen berries

    D~Pot roast, mashed potatoes & gravy, steamed peas

10. B~Scrambled eggs & deer sausage

      D~Korean Beef Bulgolgi, brown rice

11. B~gf Pumpkin Spiced Bread (new), Pumpkin Smoothies

      D~Chili, Kim's Kornbread, (gf Cheddar Biscuits for mom)

12. B~Baked Eggs (family), yogurt & frozen berries (mom)

      D~Salmon Patties w/ tartar sauce, baked fries, sweet corn

13. B~Simple Soaked Oatmeal w/ toasted almonds & dried cherries

      D~Broiled Parmesan Tilapia, Lemon Rice Pilaf, steamed broccoli

14. B~Sourdough Pancakes (family), gf Rice Flour Pancakes (mom)

      D~El Rancho Skillet Dinner, peas

15. B~Cinnamon Spice Granola, yogurt

      D~Spicy Split Pea Soup w/ ham, gf Southern Cornbread

16. B~Nancy's Nutmeg Coffee Cake (family), yogurt w/ frozen berries (mom)

      D~Farmer's Delight Casserole (new)

17. B~Quiche Lorraine

      D~Spaghetti (with brown rice noodles), steamed broccoli

18. B~Red, White & Orange Baked Oatmeal

      D~Thai Cashew Chicken, jasmine rice

19. B~Fried eggs in ghee, gf Carrot Raisin Buckwheat Muffins (new)

      D~Perfect Potato Patties, Meatloaf, green beans

20. B~Kefir fruit smoothies, Whole Wheat Raspberry Muffins (family)

      D~Clam Chowder, gf Cheddar Biscuits

21. B~Speltcakes (family), gf Rice Flour pancakes (mom)

      D~Sweet & Sour Meatballs, jasmine rice, peas

22. B~Almond Joy Granola w/ yogurt

      D~Beef Stew, Buttermilk biscuits (family), gf Cheddar Biscuits (mom)

23. B~Simple Soaked Oatmeal w/ frozen berries

      D~Polenta w/ marinara sauce, baked chicken, peas

24. B~Cheddar Bacon Breakfast Muffins (family), Fried eggs in ghee, gf Cheddar Biscuit (mom)

      D~Cinco de Mayo Casserole

25. B~Cheese Omelette's

      D~Pulled Barbecued Beef (crockpot) over brown rice, green beans

26. B~gf Cranberry Apple Spice Muffins (new), Kefir fruit smoothies

      D~Meatless "Hamburger" Helper w/ brown rice pasta (new), corn

27. B~Pennsylvania Dutch Baked Oatmeal w/ canned peaches

      D~5 Bean Soup, gf Southern Cornbread

28. B~Sourdough Pancakes (family), gf Rice Flour Pancakes (mom)

      D~Lentil Burritos, homemade tortilla chips & salsa

29. B~Cinnamon Spice Granola w/ yogurt

      D~Salsa Chicken over brown rice

1/30~Shopping Day

     B~Simple Soaked Oatmeal

     D~tbd ☺

Even though each day is scheduled for a specific meal, we will be flexible on changing days around during the week. Sometimes real life happens and I forget to soak the beans, thaw the meat, or make the granola when I should. And sometimes another meal sounds better than the one planned for that day. As long as we stick to eating these meals during the week they are planned, there should be no waste.

At least, that's the plan.☺


This post is linked to Menu Mondays.